Ask Bicycling: Best Canine Riding Companions

What's the best dog breed to mountain bike with?
Dogs are a natural fit for the trail. "It feeds their instincts to run with the pack," says A. Rae Gandolf, DVM, a veterinarian in Zanesville, Ohio, who also happens to be a professional mountain biker. It's tempting to imagine that there's a perfect purebred trail companion, but mutts often have the best mix of desirable traits, she says.

Basically, you want a medium-size dog with long legs, a lean build, and short hair (it's easier to keep clean and less likely to cause overheating). If you're set on a breed, good ones include the Australian shepherd, border collie, Brittany spaniel, German shorthaired pointer, vizsla, and Weimaraner. Regardless of pedigree, a good trail dog loves people, obeys basic commands, and won't wander off. Leave furry friends at home if they don't play nice with humans or other dogs.

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